|
 Land bordaries: 1254 km:
Azerbaijan proper 566 km;
Azerbaijan-Nakhichevan: exclave 221 km
Georgia: 164 km;
Iran: 35 km;
Turkey: 268 km
Land use:
arable land: 18%
permanent crops: 2%
other 80%:(1998 est.)
Irrigated land: 2 870 sq. km (1998 est.)
Elevation extremes: Highest: 4 090 m (mount Aragats) Lowest: 450 m (River Debed)
The Republic of Armenia covers over 10%
of the Armenian plateau, which is 500m higher than the neighboring Asia
Minor and Iranian plateaus. Relatively recent volcanic activity on the
Armenian plateau has resulted in large volcanic formations, and highlands
consisting of a series of both small and large mountain massifs. A number
of lakes (including Lakes Sevan, Van and Urmia) have also been formed as a
result of tectonic activity in the Armenian plateau.
Since early geological history the land
surface of Armenia, and the surrounding Armenian plateau, has been
mountainous, with further mountain building occurring during the Cenozoic
era (particularly after the Miocene). These complex tectonic shifts have
resulted in a country dominated by a by a series of mountain massifs and
valleys. The tectonic movements which created the series of folded ridges
which dominate the country, also resulted in extensive volcanic activity.
The climatic changes over the last million years have also left their mark
on the country, with evidence of two glacial periods (Riss and Wurm)
preserved on almost all mountains over 3000m.
Four main geographic/geological regions can be recognized within
Armenia including:
Mountainous ridges and valleys in the north-east of the country
(highest altitude 3101m), which occur mainly in the basin of the River Kur
(including the ranges of Virahajots, Bazumi, Pambak, Gougarats, Aregouni,
and Sevan) and which are subject to extensive erosion.
Regions of volcanic origin within Asia Minor, including the
mountain ranges of Ashotsk, Aragats, Geghama, Vardenis, Sunik and Mount
Aragats (4095m). These areas are covered by lava of relatively recent
origin (upper Pliocene). Such regions are characterised by gentle slopes,
and little evidence of erosion, although larger rivers have carved out
deep gorges and canyons.
A series of ridged mountains adjacent to the River Arax (ridges on
the left bank along with the Urts-Eranossian, Teksar, Vaik, and Zangezour
mountain ranges, including the peak of Kapoutdjugh at 3094m) constitute
the Minor Caucasian system. This area is prone to intense erosion.
The Ararat Valley represents the lowest part of the Ararat
depression (which is still undergoing tectonic movement). This area is
covered with alluvial and prolluvial sediments.
Overall, the average altitude across the country is 1850m, but the
variations in altitude (up to 3700m, but more generally 1500-2000m. have
important effects on the climatic and landscape zones within the country.
|
Altitude above see level (m) |
Area (km 2) |
% |
|
up to 500 |
20 |
0.1 |
|
500-1000 |
2900 |
9.8 |
|
1000-1500 |
5430 |
18.3 |
|
1500-2000 |
9300 |
31.3 |
|
2000-2500 |
7290 |
24.5 |
|
2500-3000 |
3800 |
12.6 |
|
3000-3500 |
970 |
3.3 |
|
above 3500 |
30 |
0.1 |
|
TOTAL |
29740 |
100 |
Furthermore, the position and gradient of slopes have important
implications for the distribution of biodiversity in the country. The
steepest slopes found are within mountain folds, but in contrast, over 74%
of the land (21, 000 km2) consists of slopes of up to 120, which are
generally under cultivation. Among the ridged mountains and valleys of the
Minor Caucasus, most forests occur on north-facing slopes.
Furthermore, the position and gradient of slopes have important
implications for the distribution of biodiversity in the country.
The steepest slopes found are within mountain folds, but in
contrast, over 74% of the land (21, 000 km2) consists of slopes of
up to 120, which are generally under cultivation. Among the ridged
mountains and valleys of the Minor Caucasus, most forests occur on
north-facing slopes.
 |
